Sum 41 Accident- Metallica Born Again Straight Edge- Stone Temple Pilots Rule Again?- U2's Replacement- Free Taproot- Hail! To Tour Despite Paul Gray's Death- more

Tim Armstrong (Operation Ivy, Rancid, The Transplants) will be releasing a series of prints through Poster Child Prints; his first release is a limited edition sketch of Gwen Stefani screened on newsprint. more -

Drugs Linked To Slipknot's Paul Gray's Death?

An internet tabloid has published what it claims is the 911 call made from the hotel room where Slipknot bassist Paul Gray was found dead earlier this week.

Rock Radio reports: During the conversation between a hotel employee and a 911 operator, it's stated that Gray, 38, was found "crunched over in the corner" near a hypodermic needle and bottles of pills.

When the 911 asked, "Do you know how old he is? Fifties, sixties, seventies?" the hotel employee answered, "No, no, probably late twenties. There's a hypodermic needle next to his bed here so..." - You can read the full transcript of the 911 call here

Bret Michaels and Alice Cooper Make Surprise American Idol Appearances

School's out for Simon Cowell. As the American Idol judge made his final appearance on the televised karaoke contest, the season finale on Wednesday night featured surprise performances from legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper and ailing Poison frontman turned Celebrity Apprentice Bret Michaels.

Despite recovering from a series of serious medical issues which has seen him hospitalized several times in the past month, Michaels appeared on the show and performed the hit Poison ballad, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," will Idol finalist Casey James.

"I needed to be here and do this," Michaels told the press backstage after his performance. "It's been two months since I played, a month and a half in the hospital, and it was such an amazing feeling to come out there tonight and jam with Casey." - more including links to videos of the performances

Lynyrd Skynyrd Announce Tour and CD/DVD

This summer you'll have three ways to experience Lynyrd Skynyrd live: Live in person, or on their new live CD and DVD releases. Here is the info on both.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will return to the road for the next several months, touring with Bret Michaels and 38 Special in June before embarking on the Hannity Freedom Concert Series in August.

Lynyrd Skynyrd will release Live From Freedom Hall on June 22 as both a CD/DVD set and as a stand-alone DVD. Live From Freedom Hall not only captures the band in its most natural state – on stage- but is also one of the last concerts to be recorded with longtime members Billy Powell and Ean Evans, both of whom passed away last year. The release is a tribute to and a celebration of Skynyrd. - more on this story

High Def Green Day This Weekend

The HDNet Concert Series continues this weekend with "Green Day Live at the Fox Theatre" this Sunday, May 30 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

In this classic Green Day performance, the band returns to the stage for the first time since their multi-award winning album, "American Idiot."

The concert is a live performance of their album, "21st Century Breakdown," which won the Grammy this year for Best Rock Album. It was taped in April of 2009 at the recently restored Fox Theatre in Oakland, California, and includes exclusive behind the scenes footage and commentary. - more on this story

Stone Temple Pilots, Alice Cooper and All Time Low Are June's Guitar Heroes

Activision have announced the June additions to the Guitar Hero library which will include tracks from Stone Temple Pilots, Alice Cooper and All Time Low. Here is the announcement:

Fresh off the release of their new self titled album, the Stone Temple Pilots are bringing their blend of modern alternative rock and hard rock to the Guitar Hero music library on June 1. The track pack, which will feature "Between The Lines," their first single off Stone Temple Pilots, "Plush" and "Sex Type Thing," two of the bands biggest hits off their platinum debut album, Core, is sure to satisfy Stone Temple Pilot and Guitar Hero fans alike.

School's out and it's time to celebrate the arrival of summer with one of the greatest rock artists ever, Alice Cooper. Known for both his grand theatrical performances and eclectic music that spans multiple genres of rock and metal, the Guitar Hero music library is proud to deliver an incredible three song track pack featuring some of his biggest hits. On June 15, fans can enjoy the Alice Cooper Track Pack which features "I'm Eighteen," off his first major label release album, Love It to Death, "School's Out," the 1972 hit single off his fifth album and "Welcome To My Nightmare," the title track off his eighth studio album. - more on this story

Daughtry Announce Soundcheck Party and Flood Relief Benefit Show featuring Kelly Clarkson and Three Doors Down's Brad Arnold

Daughtry have transformed their upcoming show in Nashville into a benefit event including special guests and a soundcheck party. Here is the announcement: Daughtry will donate a 100 percent of the $10 ticket charge for Sunday's concert at Sommet Center in Nashville to help local residents affected by this spring's deadly flooding. The band also revealed it will be joined onstage during this special show by pop superstar Kelly Clarkson and Three Doors Down singer Brad Arnold.

Daughtry opened special sections of the arena to a $10 (plus service charge, limit eight per person) ticket. The entire $10 ticket price will be donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (www.cfmt.org).

Daughtry is also launching a special giveaway for Sunday's show. Beginning today, the first 500 tickets purchased on Ticketmaster.com will include an invitation to a soundcheck party - hosted by 107.5 FM, The River -- where guests will see and hear the band perform before the concert. - more on this story

Pestilence To Descend on America This Weekend After A 16 Year Absence

Pestilence will kick off the Resurrection Macabre Tour 2010, their first North American tour in 16 years, this Saturday.

The 17-date trek will begin in Baltimore as part of the Maryland Deathfest at Sonar on May 30th and close at the Gramercy Theater in New York City on June 17. Support will be provided by Warbringer, Vital Remains, Enfold Darkness and Sacrificial Slaughter.

Commented vocalist/guitarist Patrick Mameli : "Words can't really describe how excited we all are about this upcoming Resurrection Macabre Tour 2010. We will put our heart and soul into these upcoming shows and hope to make lots of fans happy with both old and new material. The Pestilence is spreading once more!" - more on this story

John Fogerty's Centerfield Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Reissue and Baseball Hall of Fame Honor

John Fogerty hit album and song Centerfield turn 25 this year and in celebration Geffen is releasing a special anniversary edition of the album and the National Baseball Hall of Fame will recognize the baseball anthem at this year's induction ceremonies. Here is the announcement:

John Fogerty tapped into the hopes and dreams of every boy who ever played baseball and of every man and woman who ever yearned to become better in any aspect of their life. With "Centerfield," Fogerty--one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of our time--created a rare rock classic that has become part of the fabric of the American Songbook. Celebrating the return of that 1985 album, Centerfield - 25th Anniversary Edition (Geffen/UMe), will be released on June 29 and features the original album, digitally remastered, and adds a pair of rare B-side bonus tracks--covers of the Rockin' Sydney '80s hit "My Toot Toot" and the '50s R&B/doo wop gem "I Confess."

In recognition of the classic song which has become the unofficial anthem of our national pastime, The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will honor Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician John Fogerty and "Centerfield," during the 2010 National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Cooperstown on July 25. This marks the first time the National Baseball Hall of Fame has immortalized a musician or a song as part of the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. - more on this story

Singled Out: Tab The Band's She Said No (I Love You)

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Tab The Band frontman Adrian Perry tells us about "She Said No (I Love You)" from their new album "Zoo Noises," which is currently available on iTunes.. We now turn it over to Adrian for the story:

"She Said No (I Love You)" was a departure for the band both musically and lyrically. Musically, we hadn't released a track before that was focused on percussion. It was a tune I wrote on an acoustic that had been tuned to some weird "D" tuning that I made up. The whole thing spilled out in about five minutes. When you play it by itself it has that real bluesy, chugging vibe, like a tune you might hear down south in the 30s, rolling down the bayou. Once we got hold of it as a band, though, it really became about the percussion. Ben layered several different instruments to create this wall of percussion that we could pull in and out of the mix, and create the dynamics. There's a lot of room in the track. The bassline has that "Ramble On" vibe, and the guitar parts are subtle. The vocals are really bare, as well, which connects with the message of the tune, which is one that combines blind confidence with insecurity. A defiant, yet wavering sound.

Lyrically, my songs typically are tongue in cheek. There'll be a bit of sarcasm in there, a lascivious story, something biting. But each record will have a couple of songs that are more honest and revealing I suppose, and this record has a few of them. "She Said No" is the most autobiographical tune I've written, which at times makes it awkward to perform. It's about the struggle to have the courage to reach for your dreams, while trying to reconcile that with the pull of a "real life", in this case represented by a normal job and a significant relationship. The tune is quite literal. I spend a lot of time going back and forth meeting the rest of the band via train to do shows, trying my best to keep my day job so I can support myself and my wife. I'm faced with constant uncertainty about whether we're on the brink of making it, or if I'm wasting my time. Playing in a band is a grueling process as any musician, successful or not, can attest to. This song attempts to deal with that. It has a constant beat for a reason. You just have to keep pushing forward, like a freight train going downhill. The problem is you don't know where the train is going.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album - right here!

Shadows Fall Map Out More Summer Tour Dates

Shadows Fall have expanded their summer tour plans with two new legs spanning the western Hemisphere with dates in North America and dates in South America.

Following their South American dates in June and early July, they will appear with Chimaira at select pre-Mayhem Festival shows and one Mayhem Festival off-date, and will be joined by Winds Of Plauge on several Mayhem Festival off-dates.

Shadows Fall is eager to head out on the road with the Mayhem Festival this summer. Shadows Fall will be performing on The Jagermeister Stage alongside Hatebreed, and off-date tour-mates Chimaira and WINDS Of Plague. - more on this story

Dandy Warhols Compilation Coming in August

A new Dandy Warhols CD and digital collection of 14 singles and album tracks, plus one brand new song, will be released by Capitol/EMI in North America on August 24.

To be titled The Capitol Years: 1995-2007, this is the Dandy Warhols' first compilation release, spotlighting the influence the Portland, Oregon-based band has had, and continues to have, on modern music.

The Capitol Years: 1995-2007 is comprised of material culled from the Dandy Warhols' four Capitol Records releases, The Dandy Warhols Come Down (1997), Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia (2000), Welcome To The Monkey House (2003), and Odditorium or Warlords of Mars (2005), plus a new song, "This Is The Tide," which is exclusive to this release, and two tracks from The Dandy Warhols Are Sound (the long-awaited original mixes of The Monkey House, released in 2009), making it an essential addition to the Dandys' recorded canon. - more on this story

Firewind Eye Fall Album Release, Tribute Judas Priest

Firewind, led by the young guitarist Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne), will return with a new album this fall entitled Days of Defiance.

Firewind are also currently featured on Metal Hammer UK's May edition (Issue 205) Judas Priest Tribute CD presenting a blistering version of the classic "Breaking The Law" track to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the British Steel album

Gus G. states: "I know it's been a few silent months, but this time we decided to be pretty quiet about the recording process of our new album. Anyways, before we go into revealing more info, we recently did a very fun project which was to be a part of Metal Hammer UK's Judas Priest Tribute CD. - more on this story

Little Steven's Underground Memorial Day

Little Steven will usher in summer by spinning some of his favorite surf jams in honor of Memorial Day on his nationally syndicated show Little Steven's Underground Garage this Friday, May 28.

The show, called 'Decoration Day,' will feature tracks by Dick Dale, Sonny Boy Williamson, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, and new songs by The Contrast, Alejandro Escovedo, Gaslight Anthem, and more.

Van Zandt will also honor Nick Curran & the Lowlifes' "Baby You Crazy" as this week's "Coolest Song In The World." - more info

Video of Nada Surf Electrocution

Nada Surf have release the video for "Electrocution", taking viewers on a visually innovative and somewhat psychedelic trip through all four seasons of the year.

Off of their forthcoming covers album if i had a hi-fi, "Electrocution" was written by Cleveland musician Bill Fox, one of the many artists covered by Nada Surf for the release.

if i had a hi-fi is in stores June 8th via the band's label Mardev Records, but fans may purchase the album in CD and Vinyl format exclusively at their upcoming us tour dates. - Watch the video here

Eyehategod Kicking of U.S. Tour Next Week

Eyehategod will kick off their US tour on June 3 at Blackbooth in Orlando, FL following an appearance at the Maryland Deathfest on May 30 .

They will be joined by a rotating roster of other eclectic openers, including psychedelic black metallers Nachtmystium (from June 4 – 15) . The NOLA sludge metal kings will pillage through 16 cities before winding down in Chicago at the Empty Bottle where they will perform the legendary In The Name Of Suffering (June 19) and Take As Needed For Pain (June 20) full-lengths in their entirety. Nachtmystium will be rejoining the tour for these two special dates.

Commented Jimmy Bower of the upcoming run: "It's been a long time since we've played some of these cities and look forward to seeing old and new friends... and spreading the riff!" - more on this story

Styx To Rock the Troops on July 4th

Styx will headline a Tour for the Troops concert this July 4th at the CenturyTel Arena in Bossier City, Louisiana. The event organized by the U.S. Air Force Reserve will be emceed by Billy Bretherton from the hit A&E television show Billy the Exterminator

To celebrate Independence Day and honor the men and women serving our nation at home and overseas, the Air Force Reserve is offering this concert free for all members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families. The Air Force Reserve is proud to bring this event to the men and women stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Fort Polk Army Base, and other surrounding installations. - more on this story

Eels Tomorrow Morning Track Details

Eels have announced the tracklist for the new album, Tomorrow Morning, which is coming out August 24 on E Works Records.

Track List: 01 In Gratitude For This Magnificent Day 02 I'm A Hummingbird 03 The Morning 04 Baby Loves Me 05 Spectacular Girl 06 What I Have To Offer 07 This Is Where It Gets Good

08 After The Earthquake 09 Oh So Lovely 10 The Man 11 Looking Up 12 That's Not Her Way 13 I Like The Way This Is Going 14 Mystery Of Life -

Obituary Tour Starts Tomorrow

Obituary kick off a string of tour dates tomorrow (May 25th), including an appearance at this year's edition of the Maryland Deathfest, before kicking off their summer run of festival dates.

Vocalist John Tardy, drummer Donald Tardy and guitarists Trevor Peres and Ralph Santolla will be joined by bassists Kenny Andrews from 5/28 - 6/07 (Andrew WK, Pain Principal), Steve DiGiorgio from 6/26 - 7/10 (Death, Testament, Iced Earth, Sadus etc.) and Terry Butler from 8/12 - 9/02 (Death, Massacre, Denial Fiend). - more on this story

Albert Castiglia Keepin On With the Blues This Summer

Blues guitarist Albert Castiglia has set an August 10 release date for his new album, Keepin On, which will be released by Blues Leaf Records.

Recorded at Showplace Studios in Dover, New Jersey, most of Keepin On was recorded live with very few overdubs. Castiglia enlisted five session musicians to help on the project, including harmonica master Sandy Mack, who played on "I Could Not Ask for More," a Peter Green song contained on the new CD.

Mack had played on "Ghosts of Mississippi," a song from Albert's A Stones Throw album in 2006. According to Castiglia, "He kicked butt then and he picked up where left off on this session." - more on this story

moe. Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Hits Collection and Free Downloads

moe. will release Smash Hits, Volume 1 on June 1st. The album celebrates moe.'s 20th anniversary and includes newly recorded fan favorites that encompass the band's entire career.

You can grab a free download of "Spine of a Dog" here, plus moe. is also offering a download to an acoustic version of "Lazarus" to those who sign up for the moe. fan mailing list on their homepage

From modest beginnings in a Buffalo basement over two decades ago to today's multifaceted success, the members of moe. have never lost sight of the earnest, elemental goals that they aspired to from their very first show: to deliver honest, heartfelt music and to ensure the audience has a good time. 2010 marks the twentieth anniversary of moe.'s frontline of Rob Derhak (bass, vocals), Chuck Garvey (guitar, vocals), and Al Schnier (guitar, keyboards, vocals), who continue to perform together with the addition of drummer Vinnie Amico and percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Jim Loughlin. - more on this story

Scale The Summit Hitting The Road

Scale The Summit will rock their hometown this weekend before embarking on a short run of tour dates which will kick off on June 16th that will take them to the free "Make Music Pasadena Festival," in Pasadena, CA on June 19th and back.

The band's headlining hometown show will be at the Warehouse Live, this Friday, May 28th. These are the band's first live shows since headlining the inaugural Prosthetic Records' showcase at Austin's South By Southwest in March, where they debuted a brand new song, and completing the Beneath The Buried and Me's US headline run along with Cynic and The Devin Townsend Project. The band has been writing the follow up to 2008's "Carving Desert Canyons,"."

Guitarist Chris Letchford commented, "We're really excited about this short headlining run out to the 'Make Music Pasadena' festival in southern California. We have been at home writing for a couple months now after the BTBAM/Cynic/Devin Townsend tour ended earlier this year. It has been amazing; we're almost finished with all of the guitar parts and have just begun work on a lot of the drum and bass parts. Writing couldn't be moving along any smoother and its awesome to see the direction this album is taking us. We're really branching out our ideas, colors, and feeling for this next album. We're all looking forward to getting back out on the road and playing a few of our new creations for everyone in couple weeks!" - more on this story

Gallows End Set June Album Release

Gallows End have announced a June 25th worldwide release date for their debut album "Nemesis Divine".

The album will be released through Farvahar Records and distributed worldwide by Nightmare Records. The CD has been recorded, mixed and mastered at the 7th Gate Studios by Thord Klarström. All artwork is from the hand of J.P. Fournier (– also, Edguy, Avantasia, Immortal, Dragonforce, Powerquest, Steel Attack, Stormlord, among others).

Originally conceived as a one-man project of multi-talented frontman Thord Klarström, Gallows End has grown to a full four-piece lineup. After releasing a 3-song demo in 2007 that garnered critical and fan praise, work began on a full-length CD. - more on this story

Evergrey's Jari Kainulainen Is Now A Killing Machine

Jari Kainulainen recently parted company with Evergrey to become a permanent member of Killing Machine. His departure came after a period of turmoil within the band which also saw two other members go their separate ways.

Discussing his sudden departure Jari Kainulainen said: "Leaving Evergrey was a hard decision to make. I loved the music and the company! But after two years, it felt like nothing was really happening with the band and there was never any concrete plans. The atmosphere in the band was good, but I would like to play live more than what they were actually doing."

Going on to talk about his addition to the ranks of Killing Machine, Kainulainen said: "Peter (Scheithauer - Killing Machine Guitarist) made contact some time ago and told me about Killing Machine and their future plans and he gave me a few samples of their music. Lets just say, it´s straight out metal and I loved it.! And then it was decision making time, so I ended up leaving Evergrey and joined Killing Machine. I'm really looking forward to getting on the road with the guys. What's more is I get to play with a drummer who gives the Duracell bunny nightmares!" - more on this story

Ozomatli Representing the US in China

Ozomatli are representing the United States as Cultural Ambassadors all the way to China and Mongolia, on a trip that began May 21st and runs through June 4th, 2010.

Much like their previous State Department trips, Ozomatli will be taking part in free public concerts, musical workshops, and community outreach throughout East Asia.

Ozomatli will also be traveling to the earthquake zone in Dujiangyan, China – an area still ravaged by the devastating 7.9 temblor of May 12, 2008 - killing at least 68,000 people and injuring countless more. Ozo's outreach in this area, including Pengzhou, Sichuan Province, will focus on extending the value of music education to children in orphanages, schools for migrant workers families, and schools for the handicapped. - more on this story

The Last Felony Going Soph in August

The Last Felony's new album, Too Many Humans, will be released on August 17th in North American on Lifeforce Records.

Too Many Humans is The Last Felony's sophomore effort, and the follow up to the 2008 debut full-length, Aeon Of Suffering (Galy Records).

The new album was recorded, engineered, and mixed at Montreal's Garage Studio by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, Neuraxis), and mastered by Pierre Remillard (Misery Index, Despised Icon, Ion Dissonance, Beneath the Massacre). Artwork comes courtesy of Felix Rancourt (Despised Icon, Beneath the Massacre). - more on this story

Black Veil Brides Announce Album and Tour

Black Veil Brides have set a July 20th release date for their debut album, We Stitch These Wounds, which will be released through Standby Records.

The band have completed filming a music video for the first single off the album. The new video for the track, "Perfect Weapon", was directed by Patrick Fogarty, and filmed in the band's hometown of Los Angeles.

The band will hit the road in support of the record, headlining the The Sacred Ceremony Tour, along with Vampires Everywhere!, Modern Day Escape, and Get Scared. The six-week trek is set to kick off in San Diego on July 2nd. - dates